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Tuesday, January 20, 2015

It
is very important to know the basics of your car.Knowledge like this can help you avoid a
hefty bill from a dishonest mechanic, or just help you troubleshoot what may be
causing a problem.There are many things
you should know, but for today, let’s cover the basics of what is in your
engine bay (under your hood).

This
is going to be simple, and just give you the basic such as how you identify the
part, and what it does.I will be
showing examples with two vehicles: a 2005 V6 Mustang, and a 2002 Chevy
Blazer.This will give you an idea of
how these parts can look different depending on what vehicle you are in. Don't forget to see the video located at the bottom of this post.

So
let’s start…

Alternator

This
is the alternator.You can identify it
by its cylindrical shape, and the coiled wire inside.This is basically your car’s generator.When the power from the battery is used to
start the car, your alternator recharges your battery and keeps power flowing
throughout the electronics in your vehicle.

Battery

This
is the battery for your car.It’s easy
to identify, but may be hidden under other parts.This is what’s responsible for allowing your
car to start each and every time you turn the ignition.They are easy to change yourself.

This
is what holds your car’s coolant which is a liquid designed to help regulate
the temperature of your engine.NEVER
unscrew the cap after you car has been running as you may be severely injured
by the vapor that will escape.Always
make sure your coolant is between the lines generally on the side of the
reservoir.

Brake Fluid Reservoir

This
is where the fluid for your brake system is kept.Make sure it is always filled between the
lines usually found on the side of the reservoir.Always make sure the cap is on nice and tight
as air in the system could cause damage over time.

Power Steering Fluid Reservoir

This
is where the fluid for your power steering is.Make sure it is always filled between the lines usually found on the
side of the reservoir.

Fuse Box

This
is your fuse box, and where most of the fuses are for your car.You may have another location inside the
vehicle.They protect your vehicle from
damage by destroying themselves, a much cheaper part, before destroying more
expensive parts.Consult your manual to
find out what these fuses are.

Air Box and Air System

This
is your air filter, or air box.When air
is sucked into your engine to mix with the fuel, this is where it comes
in.Inside the box, or exposed here, is
the filter.It stops dirt and debris
from being sucking into your engine.The
air flows through the intake, and
into your throttle body.This is a valve that opens and closes
controlling the amount of air that enters the engine.Some throttle bodies, like the one on the
Blazer are “drive-by-wire” and are controlled by a wire that acts like a
spring.Others, like the Mustang, are
electronically controlled.The air then
enters the intake manifold which
distributes the air to the engine.We
won’t get any further than that for now.

Windshield Washer Reservoir

This
one is pretty simple, your windshield washer fluid reservoir.It’s where you fill up your windshield washer
fluid.It’s cheap and easy to do, and
it’s clearly labeled.

Serpentine Belt

This
is your serpentine belt.This is what
transports power to engine parts including your air conditioning, alternator,
and more.It is important to check this
belt from time to time for cracks and frays.

Spark Plug Wires

These
are your spark plug wires.In modern
vehicles, they run from your coil pack
to your spark plugs located screwed
into your engine.They are all
responsible for creating the spark that ignites the fuel in your engine.

Oil

This
is where you add oil to your engine.Oil
helps the internal parts of your engine move freely.